This follows last week's Leader report that he will be under pressure not to seek Liberal Party preselection for another term.

Mr Kerr issued a statement this week saying he was "planning to stand again''.

He said he was encouraged by the expressions of support he had received following the report.

"The people of this state desperately want a change of government,'' he said.

"This can only occur if all Liberal members continue to unite behind Barry O'Farrell and win Labor-held seats.''

Questioned about the statement, Mr Kerr said his position had not changed since he said last week it was his intention to nominate again, but that a final decision was not needed until the middle of next year when nominations would be called.

It is believed Mr Kerr, who has been in Parliament for 25 years, will be subjected to very strong pressure early next year to reconsider his position.

"Once Christmas is over, local people will start making their feelings known,'' a source said.

"Nobody wants to push him they are just hoping he will come to the position himself.

"Factional problems have given him a path in the past because, even though he is not aligned to a faction, he has appeared to be the best bet.

"That won't be the case this time.''